Driver spared over job fear

Chesterfield magistrates court.

A worried motorist who was caught speeding in Codnor and faced losing his driving licence and his job has been spared from being disqualified.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Monday, August 11, how plasterer Ryan Watson, 29, admitted speeding and faced being disqualified and losing his job because he already had nine points on his licence.

District Judge Andrew Davison considered a character reference and a letter from Watson’s employer.

He told Watson said: “Your employer has complimented you with a good character reference and there is exceptional hardship.

“Not driving could put your future at risk as indicated by your employer.

“You need this licence to deliver training and to do your job.

“The employer said your future could be put at risk without a licence.”

Watson, of Rose Bank Close, Hollingworth, Hyde, pleaded guilty to exceeding 30 miles per hour on a restricted road on December 2, 2013.

Despite the words used in the letter, Watson said: “My position is that I think I will lose my job.”

District Judge Davison confirmed Watson had driven 39 miles an hour in a 30mph zone.

He told Watson: “I find there is a case for exceptional hardship because you would lose your job with a plastering firm.

“Your employer is not clear about that but I infer that in reality you will lose your job because there is no possibility of redeploying you.”

District Judge Davison therefore decided not to impose a disqualification from driving but endorsed Watson’s licence with three points. Watson was also fined £170 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £35 costs.